How to Start an S-Corp in Kansas


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Start an S-corporation in Kansas

Kansas, popularly known as The Sunflower State, offers a bunch of benefits for business owners, especially the state capital Topeka has a lot to offer to the rising entrepreneurs in the state. If you want to start a business in Kansas, you must choose an appropriate corporate structure. You can have a corporation or a sole proprietorship or set up an LLC in Kansas. There are a few guidelines that you should be aware of when it comes to starting an S-Corporation. In Kansas, S-Corporation is businesses’ most common corporate structure, especially start-ups. It was developed in order to give companies limited liability protection while preserving the advantages of being a distinct legal organization.

In this article, you will learn about how to start an s-corporation in Kansas. You will also learn whether an s-corporate business structure suits your business. Please read all the points carefully before starting your business in Kansas.

What is an S-Corp in Kansas?

An S corporation (S-corp) is not a type of corporate entity, unlike a limited liability company (LLC) or other business structures. It’s a tax classification that might result in significant financial savings for both corporations and LLCs but in different ways. S-corp is similar to LLC, except that the IRS treats it as a corporation for tax purposes.

If you want an S corp status for your business, you can always form an LLC to protect your personal assets from business debts. It takes some basic steps to have a successful s-corporation in Kansas. S-Corps do pay corporate income taxes, but they are still treated as disregarded companies for federal tax purposes.

S-corps pay corporate taxes that LLCs do not have to pay. If you want to have an S-corp status, then we would recommend you have an LLC instead. This will protect your personal assets from your business liabilities and you don’t have to pay any corporate taxes.

LLCBuddy Editorial Team

Limitation and Requirements of S-Corp in Kansas

As you have decided to have an S-Corp structure for your business, you must know the limitations and requirements to qualify for S-Corp status. We have listed some important points to consider following for your reference-

  • Be a domestic corporation.
  • Not be an ineligible corporation, such as specific financial institutions, insurance providers, or domestic corporations engaged in overseas sales.
  • Have just one type of stock.
  • Have a maximum of 100 shareholders or members.
  • Have only permitted individuals, certain trusts, and estates as stockholders or members.

If you are qualified for the limitations and requirements, you can apply for an S-Corp in Kansas.

How to Start an S-Corporation in Kansas?

To create S-Corp in Kansas, you must follow the below guidelines that include forming a business name, hiring a Registered Agent, filing your Articles of Organization, creating an operating agreement in Kansas, requesting an EIN, filing a form 2553.

Step 1: Register a Business Name in Kansas

After you have decided on the idea to start an S-Corp in Kansas, deciding the name for your corporation is significant. Legal procedures should be taken into account when choosing your partnership name. Choose a business name that will enable you to develop a strong brand identity.

If you want to set up an LLC, there is a complete guide on Kansas LLC name guidelines for a proper LLC name. Here are some guidelines you must follow while naming your S-corp.

  • Avoid profanities
  • The name should be available, and no other entity should have the same name in Kansas.
  • Limit of restricted words that need a license in Kansas, for example, doctors, attorneys, etc.
  • Do not use a business name that sounds like a government agency or entity (like “police,” “county,” and “state”)

Step 2: Hiring the Kansas Registered Agent

The next step in starting an S-corp in Kansas is hiring a Kansas Registered Agent, a person that accepts legal paperwork on behalf of your business. This person or business will receive important tax forms, legal documents (such as subpoenas), all notices of lawsuits, and other official government correspondence in Kansas. Forming an LLC and an S-corp will be easier if you have Registered Agent in Kansas.

Step 3: File Your Kansas Articles of Organization

The Articles of Organization is an important document to start your limited liability company (LLC). Kansas Articles of Organization is a simple document that contains the business name and address as well as the name and address of the person who received lawsuits on behalf of the organization. In order for the “Articles of Organization” to be filed, you need to pay a filing fee to the state. In Kansas, the filing fee is $165 (by mail and $160 online) .

In California, along with the Articles of Organization, you must send the Statement of Information to file your company. The statement of information is a mandatory document in California, but other states do not have this document.

Step 4: Creating an Operating Agreement in Kansas

After you have filed your Articles of Organization in Kansas, the next step is to create an LLC operating agreement in Kansas. The Kansas LLC operating agreement is essential and necessary since it will cover your corporation’s important documentation and rules. The operating agreements usually include the following-

  • Article I: Organization
  • Article II: Management and Voting
  • Article III: Capital Contributions
  • Article IV: Distributions
  • Article V: Membership Changes
  • Article VI: Dissolution

After creating the LLC operating agreement, you can benefit in several ways since it will discuss how decisions for the business will be made, including management and member voting structure. For more details about how an operating agreement works, please check Operating Agreement.

Step 5: Request for EIN in Kansas

After documenting the operating agreement, you should get or request an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN will serve as the tax ID for your general partnership. EIN can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is a 9-digit number similar to Social Security Number. EIN, however, is distinct from SSN. It is only used for business-related activities, particularly for submitting general taxes. The form must be completed and uploaded to the IRS website.

The application of an EIN in Kansas can be through the following:

  • Apply Online- You can apply for EIN online, the most desirable and fastest method for users.
  • Apply by Fax- Another method of obtaining EIN is to fax Form SS-4 (PDF) after entering all the correct information to (855) 641-6935.
  • Apply by Mail- The EIN application Form SS-4 can be filed via mail. The processing time frame to receive the mail is 4 weeks.
  • Apply by Telephone-International Applicants – International applicants may call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number) from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday to obtain their EIN.

If you would like to be assisted in getting an EIN in the Internal Revenue Service, we can get your EIN for you. Our EIN service is quick and hassle-free. For more details about EIN for your business, check why you need EIN.

Step 6: File Form 2553 for Your S-Corp Business in Kansas

Once you have obtained your EIN and Articles of Organization to form an S-Corp, you must file Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, to apply for S-corp status. Filing a form 2553 should be done 75 days after the formation of your S-Corp, or not more than 75 days after the beginning of the tax year in which the election is to take effect.

If your LLS-Corp has passed the deadline of 75 days, you must also file Form 8832, Entity Classification Election, in order to opt to be taxed as a corporation. Then you would send Form 2553 and Form 8832 jointly by certified mail from the USPS. In Kansas, you can send your form 2553 to the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Center – Ogden, UT 84201 Fax: 855-214-7520 .

Advantages of Starting an S-Corporation in Kansas

Filing an S-Corp in Kansas has numerous benefits and advantages.

  • Writing Off Losses: With S-corp, owners can deduct business losses from their individual income statements. If the company loses money in the first few years, it may balance its other sources of revenue. Even so, understand the shareholder loss limitations set by the IRS.
  • Pass-Through Taxation: Starting an S-Corp is the widely known advantage in forming this kind of business structure since an s-corp uses a pass-through taxation structure. The company does not pay twice the tax in this kind of taxation. Because of this structure, most start-ups and entrepreneurs in Kansas apply for an S-Corp LLC.
  • Qualified Business Income Deduction: A qualified business income, or QBI, is the total of all qualified items of income, gain, deduction, and loss from any qualified trade or business, including S-Corp. With this, S corp owners may deduct up to 20% of their eligible earnings under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

FAQs

What is an S-Corp?
An S-Corp is a type of business entity created under state law and recognized as a separate legal entity for tax purposes. It is similar to a C-Corp, but with some additional tax benefits.
What are the benefits of forming an S-Corp in Kansas?
Forming an S-Corp in Kansas can help you save money on taxes, protect your personal assets from business debts, and provide structure and continuity to your business. Additionally, it can help you attract investors and demonstrate your commitment to your business.
What are the requirements to form an S-Corp in Kansas?
To form an S-Corp in Kansas, you must file Articles of Incorporation and comply with the state’s laws. You must also register with the Kansas Secretary of State and have a registered agent in the state. Additionally, you must have a minimum of one shareholder and a maximum of 100 shareholders.
How do I file Articles of Incorporation for an S-Corp in Kansas?
To file Articles of Incorporation for an S-Corp in Kansas, you must submit the proper paperwork to the Kansas Secretary of State. This includes the Articles of Incorporation, the filing fee, and any other required documents.
What is the filing fee for an S-Corp in Kansas?
The filing fee for an S-Corp in Kansas is $120.
What documents do I need to file for an S-Corp in Kansas?
To file for an S-Corp in Kansas, you will need to submit the Articles of Incorporation, the filing fee, and any other required documents. Additionally, you may need to provide other documents such as an Operating Agreement or By-Laws.
How long does it take to form an S-Corp in Kansas?
It typically takes about 10-15 business days for the Kansas Secretary of State to process your Articles of Incorporation and approve your S-Corp.
What is a registered agent in Kansas?
A registered agent in Kansas is a person or business authorized to accept legal documents such as service of process on behalf of a company. The registered agent must be a resident of Kansas or a business authorized to do business in the state.
Do I need an Operating Agreement for an S-Corp in Kansas?
An Operating Agreement is not required to form an S-Corp in Kansas. However, it is highly recommended that you create an Operating Agreement to define the rights and responsibilities of the owners, investors, and board of directors.
What is the difference between an S-Corp and a C-Corp in Kansas?
The key difference between an S-Corp and a C-Corp in Kansas is the taxation structure. An S-Corp is a pass-through entity, meaning the profits and losses of the business are “passed through” to the owners’ personal tax returns. A C-Corp is a separate entity from the owners, meaning the profits and losses of the business are taxed separately from the owners.
How do I dissolve an S-Corp in Kansas?
To dissolve an S-Corp in Kansas, you must file Articles of Dissolution with the Kansas Secretary of State. Additionally, you must close out any business accounts, cancel any licenses or permits, and notify creditors and suppliers that the business is closing.
What are the steps to Start an S-Corp in Kansas?
To start an S-Corp in Kansas, you will need to file a Certificate of Formation with the Kansas Secretary of State, appoint directors, register for state and federal taxes, create corporate bylaws and issue stock certificates.
Is it difficult to form an S-Corp in Kansas?
No, forming an S-Corp in Kansas is relatively straightforward and can be completed with the right guidance and paperwork.
What type of taxes must I pay as an S-Corp in Kansas?
As an S-Corp in Kansas, you must pay annual franchise tax, federal income taxes, and state income taxes.
What is the cost of forming an S-Corp in Kansas?
The cost of forming an S-Corp in Kansas will depend on the services you choose to use, such as an attorney or accountant. The filing fee for the Certificate of Formation is $165.
What documents do I need to file to form an S-Corp in Kansas?
To form an S-Corp in Kansas, you will need to file a Certificate of Formation with the Kansas Secretary of State. You will also need to create corporate bylaws and stock certificates.
Do I need to appoint directors when forming an S-Corp in Kansas?
Yes, when forming an S-Corp in Kansas, you must appoint directors.
Do I need to register for taxes when forming an S-Corp in Kansas?
Yes, when forming an S-Corp in Kansas, you must register for both state and federal taxes.
What is the Kansas Secretary of State?
The Kansas Secretary of State is the department of government responsible for overseeing business filings, including forming an S-Corp.
What are corporate bylaws?
Corporate bylaws are the rules and regulations that govern a corporation, including its internal operations and procedures.
What is a stock certificate?
A stock certificate is a legal document that certifies the ownership of shares in a corporation.
What is an annual franchise tax?
An annual franchise tax is a tax imposed by the state of Kansas on businesses operating in the state.
What is a federal income tax?
A federal income tax is a tax imposed by the federal government on the income earned by a corporation.
What is a state income tax?
A state income tax is a tax imposed by the state of Kansas on the income earned by a corporation.
Can I form an S-Corp in Kansas online?
Yes, you can form an S-Corp in Kansas online through the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.
Do I need an attorney to form an S-Corp in Kansas?
No, you do not need an attorney to form an S-Corp in Kansas. However, it is recommended to seek legal advice when forming a corporation.
Do I need an accountant to form an S-Corp in Kansas?
No, you do not need an accountant to form an S-Corp in Kansas. However, it is recommended to seek financial advice when forming a corporation.
What is the filing fee for the Certificate of Formation in Kansas?
The filing fee for the Certificate of Formation in Kansas is $165.
Is there a minimum paid-in capital requirement for forming an S-Corp in Kansas?
No, there is no minimum paid-in capital requirement for forming an S-Corp in Kansas.
Is there a minimum number of shareholders required to form an S-Corp in Kansas?
No, there is no minimum number of shareholders required to form an S-Corp in Kansas.
What is the Kansas Secretary of State’s address?
The Kansas Secretary of State’s address is 120 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612.

Also Read

Why Kansas S Corporation is So Important

One of the key advantages of forming an S Corporation in Kansas is the limited liability protection it provides to its owners. When you operate as a sole proprietor or in a general partnership, your personal assets are at risk in the event that your business is sued or encounters financial difficulties. By forming an S Corporation, you can safeguard your personal assets from business creditors, protecting your home, savings, and other personal property.

Tax considerations are another important factor that make the S Corporation an appealing choice for Kansas small business owners. Unlike a traditional C Corporation, an S Corporation is considered a pass-through entity for tax purposes, meaning that profits and losses are passed through to the individual shareholders and reported on their personal tax returns. This can result in significant tax savings, as S Corporation shareholders are able to avoid the double taxation that can be incurred by C Corporation shareholders.

For small business owners in Kansas, minimizing taxes is often a top priority, and the pass-through taxation of S Corporations can be a significant advantage. By only paying taxes on their individual income tax returns, rather than at both the corporate and individual level, S Corporation owners can potentially save a substantial amount of money each year.

In addition to limited liability protection and tax advantages, the structure of an S Corporation can also provide other benefits for Kansas small business owners. For example, S Corporations are able to raise capital through the sale of stock, making it easier for them to attract investors and grow their business. Additionally, an S Corporation can continue to exist even if the ownership of the business changes, providing continuity and stability for the company.

When it comes to the legal structure of your small business in Kansas, it is important to consider all of the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option. While the S Corporation may not be the right choice for every business, for many entrepreneurs in Kansas, it offers a compelling combination of limited liability protection, tax advantages, and operational flexibility.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to form an S Corporation will depend on the specific needs and goals of each individual business owner. However, for many small business owners in Kansas, the S Corporation provides an attractive combination of benefits that make it a popular choice for those looking to protect their personal assets, minimize their tax liabilities, and position their business for long-term success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting an S-corp in Kansas is a strategic choice for entrepreneurs seeking the benefits of limited liability and favorable tax treatment. One can successfully establish an S-corp by following the outlined steps, including selecting a unique name, filing the Articles of Incorporation, obtaining necessary licenses, and adhering to state-specific regulations. Ultimately, this corporate structure offers a strong foundation for business growth and protection, making it a worthwhile consideration for those looking to launch a venture in Kansas.

Leave a Comment